Congrats P-CEP Marching Band

Not many teens can say they marched and performed in the famed Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. But members of the Plymouth-Canton Marching Band can – the first time since the 1970s. And from all accounts it was an experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

What a great experience for the 176 members of the award-winning band who trekked the five-mile parade route to the theme, “Find Your Adventure,” which they did. And yes, they had a great time in California. Good for them.

The marching band has worked hard and earnestly won its awards and recognition. The trip to California and the band’s performances during the parade and band festival there was the icing on the cake.

Parents, members of the band boosters and staff equally deserve accolades for their hard work, direction and commitment to the kids and their performances. That’s not to mention the months upon months of fundraising to defray the $500,000 cost of the whole shebang. When all was said and done, the boosters managed to raise about $100,000. That’s nothing to sneeze about. And that’s true for the $2,200 per person that came out of parents’ pockets to get their musical children there and back. The school district did not contribute to the Pasadena effort.

This marching band has completed amazing things, not only performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade, but its performance of “E.X.O., which earned the musicians top scores as Flight I state champions at the Michigan Competing Band Association competition at Ford Field in Detroit. With a score of 94.975, the band also swept the special awards: Outstanding Musical Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance and Outstanding General Effect.

The band has earned numerous accolades and now national attention with its performance in the Rose Bowl procession. But let’s give these kids their due of hometown attention and continued local support. When you run into a band member, parent or band staffer, congratulate them and make a big deal of their accomplishments. They deserve it.

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